Welcome to Austria

August
31 - September 2, 1998

After our stay in Strasburg and the Black Forrest,
we found ourselves in a small town called Erwald, in the Tirol region
of Austria. After going on a hike from the town, into the Alps to
see a waterfall, we decided that this was the place to stay. We
got a room with a balcony at the Panorama-Blick gasthaus/pension
(small hotel with breakfast included) that was the highest place
you could get to by car on the Zugspitz (Germany's highest mountain).
Several trails left right from the gasthaus.

The first full day in Ehrwald was the first big hike in the Alps.
It started by taking the Ehrwald-Almbahn to the small resort town
of Ehrwald Alm. From there, the hike followed a long trail along
the southern slopes of the Zugspitz to the Steinernes Hut. The hut
was a fantastic step back in time. The hüttsoupe (hut soup)
was cooked over a wood stove. The man of the Hut welcomed all the
hikers with Schnapps followed by a selection of beers from the ice
cold animal trough. After a hot lunch and drinks, the trail wandered
down into the valley past waterfalls and pools. The hike was a little
longer than planned and we missed the last Ehrwald-Almbahn back
to Ehrwald. Trying to hike/run to catch the bahn resulted in a need
to stop at the resort for more beer and food before the long hike
down the mountain to the gasthaus.

We took a half day break from hiking and went
to Innsbruck. It was a very nice city and we got to visit the Alpine
Museum. After a little while in the hustle, bustle and noise of
the city, we were quick to return to the quiet town of Erwald. That
night we had dinner at a four star hotel there in Erwald, and it
came out to about $30 each. The next morning we left for Garmisch,
Germany.

A difficult situation at the gate. Finally an older lady came
along and whacked the hell out of the cow while walking it away
from the gate by the horns. Eddie and Sheena were quick to follow
before the cow realized what had happened and wanted revenge.

The trail along the slopes of the Zugspitz

Sheena well dressed for the weather. Wind/rain/sun...

Looking at the Zugspitz and an alpine hut on the slopes.

Sheena resting on the bench above the Steinernes Hut.

Eddie enjoying the food and drinks at the hut before heading
down into the valley.